The Dallas Mavericks made the not-so-surprising decision to shut downCooper Flagg earlier this month following his second game of NBA Las Vegas Summer League. Two starts was more than enough for management to see that Flagg is ready to go as a rookie and projected impact player in the Mavericks' lineup.

At Duke, Flagg averaged 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, 4.2 assists and earned ACC Player of the Year honors while leading the Blue Devils to the Final Four. He also won the Wooden and Naismith Player of the Year awards and was an All-American.

The Dallas Mavericks are trying to build a team with defense as its primary identity. Cooper Flagg, the team's No. 1 overall pick, will have to be part of that